Method and system for replacing/obscuring titles and descriptions of recorded content

ABSTRACT

A method and system for replacing and obscuring titles and/or descriptions pertaining to individual pieces of recorded content. In one embodiment, the method enables a user, such as a parent, to rename titles and replace descriptions for selected pieces of content, thereby obscuring the content information for those pieces of content from other users, such as children. In another embodiment, the method enables an administrative user (e.g., a parent) to define allowed access levels and assign the same to various users of the system. The administrative user is also enabled to assign access levels to individual pieces of content. In response to a user selection to view content information pertaining to recorded content, the system identifies the user and determines whether to display an original title/description or a new title/description based on the allowed access levels assigned to the user and the respective access levels assigned to the pieces of content.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based on provisional applications entitled“METHOD OF SELECTING INDIVIDUAL TITLES OF RECORDED VIDEO PROGRAMS FORVIEWING ACCESS CONTROL,” Ser. No. 60/299,523, and “REPLACEABLE TITLE ANDDESCRIPTION ON LISTING OF RECORDED SHOWS,” Ser. No. 60/299,533, bothfiled on Jun. 19, 2001, the benefit of the filing date of which isclaimed under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of invention relates generally to video recording equipmentand systems and, more specifically but not exclusively relates topersonal video recorders and the like.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

With the progress of personal video recorder (PVR) or digital videorecorder (DVR) functionality, new problems arise pertaining to accesscontrol, such as, for example, parental control of movies available tochildren for viewing. Very often such functionality is integrated intothe television electronic program guide (EPG) as a channel or similarselection category.

In current art, the various tools currently available for control ofviewing access allow authorized users to lock a channel or selectioncategory as an entire unit, without discrimination of programmingoffered on that channel. However, sometimes a parent wants to recordshows suitable for their children, but at other times may want to recordshows for themselves that they feel are not suitable for their children.

What is clearly needed is a system and a method of permitting users tocontrol access to TV PVR or DVR functionality, such as recording andviewing movies, on a case-by-case basis, rather than completely turningon or turning off access to the whole functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a method and systemfor replacing and obscuring titles and/or descriptions pertaining toindividual pieces of recorded content is disclosed. In one embodiment,the method enables a user, such as a parent, to rename titles andreplace descriptions for selected pieces of content, thereby obscuringthe content information for those pieces of content from other users,such as children. In another embodiment, the method enables anadministrative user to define allowed access levels and assign the sameto various users of the system. For example, a parent may define andassign allowed access levels to other family members, such as children,wherein each child could be assigned a unique set of allowed accesslevels. The administrative user is also enabled to assign access levelsto individual pieces of content. In response to a user selection to viewcontent information pertaining to recorded content, the systemidentifies the user and determines whether to display an originaltitle/description or a new title/description based on the allowed accesslevels assigned to the user and the respective access levels assigned tothe pieces of content. In yet another embodiment, titles anddescriptions may be hidden from selected users.

According to other aspects of the invention, the method may beimplemented via software running on the system, which will typicallycomprise a set-top box or the like. In particular, the set-top box willgenerally include functionality common to PRVs and DRVs, and thesoftware may be employed in an electronic program guide and/or arecording application running on the set-top box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed description,when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsunless otherwise specified:

FIG. 1 is a representation of a display window corresponding to aninitial recording condition;

FIG. 2 is a representation of the display window of FIG. 1 uponselection of an individual title corresponding to video content forwhich control access is to be applied;

FIG. 3 is a representation of a display window that includes a passwordentry box in which a user enters a password to protect access to theindividual title selected in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating logic and operations performed duringa password-based control access process in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary table in which password-based accessinformation may be stored;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating logic and operations performed inresponse to a user attempting to access content that is passwordprotected in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a representation of a screen that enables a user to assignaccess rights to users on an access-level basis;

FIG. 8 show an exemplary table in which access level information may bestored;

FIG. 9 shows another exemplary table in which access level informationmay be stored, wherein the tables in FIGS. 8 and 9 may be used together;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed when a userspecifies an access level in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 11 is a representation of a screen from which an access-leveldefinition screen may be invoked;

FIG. 12 is a representation of an access level definition screen thatenables a user to define an access level for a selected title inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary table in which title and access levelinformation may be stored;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating logic and operations performed whena user attempts to access content under the access-level protectionscheme in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a representation of a screen that appears when a user selectsa title to view or be recorded, wherein the screen includes descriptioninformation pertaining to the selected title;

FIG. 16 is a representation of a screen that enables a user to enter anew title and description corresponding to a selected title;

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary table in which title and descriptioninformation may be stored;

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary table in which original and new title anddescription information may be stored;

FIG. 19 is a representation of a screen from which a user may invoke ahide title and/or description operation;

FIG. 20 is a representation of a screen that includes a dialog box bywhich a user may select to hide a title and/or description correspondingto a selected title;

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary table in which title/description hideinformation may be stored; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram illustrating various components ina machine that may be used to implement the operations of variousembodiments of the invention described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of method and apparatus for controlling viewing to videocontent on an individual title (i.e. case-by-case) basis are describedherein. In the following description, numerous specific details are setforth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of theinvention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, thatthe invention can be practiced without one or more of the specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In otherinstances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shownor described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, theappearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments.

PVRs and DVRs enable users to record and playback video content in amanner that is much more flexible than that available with oldertechnologies, such as VCRs. Rather than storing video and audio contenton a tape, PVRs and DVRs store such content on a digital medium that maybe randomly accessed, such as a magnetic or optical disk (e.g., harddisk or the like). In addition, PVRs and DVRs include built-inprocessors that enable sophisticated recording options, such asreal-time pausing and catch-up. As used herein, PVRs and DVRs fall underthe general category of “set-top boxes,” although it is acknowledgedthat many set-top boxes do not provide the recording and playbackfeatures of PRVs and DVRs.

Generally, PVRs and DVRs provide a set of user-interface screens thatenable a user to interact with the system. For example, user-interfacescreens corresponding to an electronic program guide (EPG) apprise usersof upcoming programming, and enable users to select content to berecorded on the device. Many times, the EPG is integrated into arecording application that is used for selecting content to be recorded,and for enabling users to view previously-recorded content. In somecases, the recording application will enable respective users to set upindividual directories, accounts, or the like, in which informationpertaining to each user is stored. However, even in cases whereindividual users have separate directories, or accounts, only eachuser's entire directory may be locked or unlocked.

FIG. 1 shows a window 100 generated by a recording application runningon a PVR or DVR 102, as displayed on a TV screen 104. Window 100corresponds to a situation after a user has selected the recordingstate. Typically, the window will display a title, such as “Recording,”“My Shows,” “Now Showing,” or similar. In some cases, where multipleusers of the recording application may each have their own directory,the window name may be personalized, such as “Margaret's Shows”;however, for simplicity of illustration, this example shows nopersonalized directory, but rather only a general directory title 106,“Recording.” A list 108 of movies in the directory is also displayed,containing three titles: Pearl Harbor, Shrek, and Hot Nights in Bangkok.

In some cases, a parent may not want a child to be able to watch aparticular movie. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention,FIG. 2 illustrates how a user could select such a movie, even beforerecording it, while it's in the list of programs to be recorded, bymoving a selector 120 (in this example, a highlight bar) to select thatmovie. Typically, such a selector will be controlled via a remotecontrol 112, remote keyboard, or the like.

In accordance with one embodiment, individual titles may be accessed bymeans of a password-based control mechanism. For example, in response toa user input after selecting the title, a password entry box 114 will bedisplayed in window 100, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, password entrybox 114 may be invoked by a pre-configured (hard) button on remotecontrol 112 or may be selected by a soft (i.e., programmable) button onthe remote control or via a selectable button 116 in window 100. Asillustrated, the user is prompted to enter a password in password entrybox 114 to enter a password to gain access to proceed with anyoperation, whether recording or viewing, or any other operation on theselected title.

In accordance with this example embodiment, a similar password entry boxwould be displayed on a user interface window whenever a user, such as achild, would try watch a movie for which password access-control waspreviously defined. Unless the child enters the correct password, themovie is blocked and the child cannot watch it.

A flowchart corresponding to the definition portion of a password-basedcontrol access scheme in accordance with one embodiment is shown in FIG.4. The process begins in a block 200 in which the user selects thecontent to be recorded, or existing content that has previously beenrecorded and is stored on the PVR or DVR. Typically, the content may beselected via its title, or similar indicia identifying the content.After selecting the content, the user will activate a user input control(e.g., hard or soft remote control button or display window button) toinvoke password entry box 114, as provided by a block 202. The user willthen enter a password in accordance with block 204. In response to entryof the password, the system will update a control access table toreflect the password in a block 206.

One embodiment of a control access table 300 is shown in FIG. 5. Thistable includes a TITLE column, a PROTECTED column, and a PASSWORDcolumn. Upon assigning a password for a given title, the values in thePROTECTED and PASSWORD columns corresponding to the row for the titlewould be updated. In another embodiment, the PROTECTED column isdropped—in this instance, the existence of a password value indicates atitle is protected. In addition to the illustrated embodiment, thecontrol access values corresponding to control access table 300 but maybe stored in an existing table that is modified to include suchinformation. For example, appropriate columns could be added to anexisting table that holds data pertaining to recorded content. Similarvalues could be stored in a “to be recorded” table.

A flowchart corresponding to a typical user access scenariocorresponding to a user attempting to view content for which a passwordhas been defined is shown in FIG. 6. In a block 210 the user selectscontent to view. In response to the selection, a determination is madein a decision block 212 to whether the content is protected (i.e., acontrol access password has been defined for the content). If thecontent is not protected, the user is enabled to immediately view thecontent, as provided by a block 214. If the content is protected, theanswer to decision block 212 is YES, and the logic proceeds to a block216 corresponding to a password entry by the user. For example, uponselecting the title the user would be presented with a password entrybox similar to password entry box 114.

In response to receiving the user's password, the system will determineif the entered password matches the stored password corresponding to thetitle, as depicted by a decision block 218. If the password matches, theuser is enabled to view the content. If not, the user is denied fromviewing the content. In one embodiment, the user is allowed to trypassword entry N times before the system bumps the user out. In thisinstance, the user would be presented with a cleared password entry boxafter each errant password entry is entered, preferably withaccompanying indicia indicating that the previous password wasincorrect.

In some instances, user may prefer not to use passwords, or will decideto use the same password in all cases. In the latter situation, it maybe likely that the user will tell the password to others that should beallowed to view the password-protected content. Conceivably, there mightbe several passwords that are used for the users of a particular PVR,such as a family. In view of this consideration, one embodiment of theinvention provides a mechanism that enables access levels to be assignedto individual titles, whereby users may only access those titles if theyhave been provided with access rights corresponding to the accesslevels.

In order to implement this scheme, access rights need to be defined foreach user. Generally, this will be performed by an administrator, suchas a parent. Typically, the system will enable an administrator to bedefined during system setup operations. The administrator will beidentified by his or her username, and will usually be authenticated viaa password or personal identification number (PIN). In such a system,each user will also be identified by a username and/or password/PIN.Using administrator-accessible menu options, the administrator will beable to navigate to an access-level assignment screen 120, as shown inFIG. 7. In this illustrated embodiment, a list of users appears on theright-hand portion of the screen, wherein the names in the listcorrespond to previously-entered usernames for users who are allowed touse the PVR/DVR. For example, the depicted list includes a Father (Dad)and Mother (Mom), and their children; for illustrative purposes, the ageof each child is included in parenthesis following that child's name.Assignment of the users for each access level may be defined by simplyselecting the access level via up/down toggles 122 and selecting theappropriate checkboxes next to those user's usernames.

In response to entering the assess-level definitions, corresponding datais added to or modified in a user-access table 310 and or anaccess-level table 320 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively. Generally,the user-access table will include a USERNAME column in which usernamesare stored and an ACCESS_LEVEL column in which access levels are stored.For illustrative purposes, the access level(s) for each user is/aredepicted as residing in an ACCESS LEVELS column; however, in general,each ACCESS_LEVEL column value will store a single access level, andmultiple access levels for a given user will be defined by respectiverows corresponding to that user's user ID, in accordance withconventional database techniques.

In addition to the aforementioned columns, the user-access table mayinclude a PIN/PASSWORD column and/or a UID (user ID) column. In oneembodiment, each user's PIN or password would be stored the PIN/PASSWORDcolumn or in another table that includes usernames and PINs/passwords.The idea here is that user authentication information would be storedvia these columns. Optionally, a user may be authenticated by a singlepiece of information, such as a username, or PIN/password.

The UID columns in user-access table 310 and access level table 320respectively serve as a primary key and foreign key columns that areused for linking the two tables together. In this manner, access leveltable 320 may serve as a reverse-lookup table in which users areidentified for each access level in a manner similar to the access-leveldefinitions discussed above with reference to FIG. 7.

Once the access-level definitions have been entered, a user withappropriate privileges may define an access level for content that isalready recorded or to be recorded in the following manner. As before,the user selects content to be recorded or existing content stored onthe PVR or DVR in a block 400. The user then activates a hard or softcontrol to invoke an access-level selections screen. For example, asshown in FIG. 11, upon selecting Hot Nights in Bangkok, an “ACCESSLEVEL” soft button 100 may be displayed in a window 100A. Optionally,the access-level selection screen may be invoked via a hard or softbutton on remote control 112.

An exemplary access-level selection screen 130 is shown in FIG. 12. Inthis embodiment, the user is enabled to select the access level viaup/down toggles 122. In one embodiment, the access-level selectionscreen may identify allowed and/or blocked users corresponding to theselected access level, such as illustrated in FIG. 12. Optionally, ascreen or entry box may be provided to enable a user to enter apassword. These operations are depicted by a block 404

In some cases, the user may wish to apply an access-level condition thatisn't among any existing access-level definitions. For example, in theillustrated embodiment an administrator (DAD) may wish to block accessto all users except himself, an access-level definition that wasn'tpreviously defined. In this case the user may select a “NEW” button 132to cause a screen similar to screen 120 of FIG. 7 to be displayed,whereby the user could define a new access level.

Once the access level for the content has been entered/selected/defined,corresponding information is updated in the system's database. Forexample, a title access level table 330 including TITLE and ACCESS_LEVELcolumns may be updated to reflect the access level assigned to thetitle, as shown in FIG. 13. This completes the access-level assignmentprocess for the title.

The procedure for accessing a title for which an access level has beendefined proceeds as follows, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14.In general, the system will be either a single-user or multi-usersystem. As defined herein, a single-user system is a system that doesnot provide individual content storage for individual users or otherwisedoes not provide unique functions for individual users. In contrast, amulti-user system supports individual storage or access functionality.

In accordance with a single-user system, the process begins in a block410 in which a user selects content to view. In a decision block 412 adetermination is made to whether the content is protected. In oneembodiment, the title access level table will be scanned to verifywhether an access level has been assigned to the title. If the answer isNO, the logic proceeds to a block 414 in which the user is enabled toview the content. If an access level has been defined, the answer todecision block 412 will be YES, and the logic will proceed to a block416 in which the user will be authenticated. In general, this maycomprise a combination of a username and PIN/password, or may simple bea unique user identifier, dependent on the particular scheme used forthe system. If the user cannot be authenticated, the process will exitwithout letting the user access the content (not shown).

After the user has been authenticated, the system will retrieve theaccess level for the title from title access level table 330 and thelist of allowed access levels for the user from user-access table 310and/or access level table 320, as depicted by a block 418. In a decisionblock 420 a determination is made to whether the access level for thetitle is in the user's allowed access level list. If the allowed accesslevels for the user do not include the access level assigned to thetitle, the answer to decision block will be NO, and the logic willproceed to a block 422 in which the user is informed (e.g., via awarning box or the like displayed on the TV screen) (not shown) that heor she is denied access to the content. If the user's allowed accesslevels include the assigned access level, the answer to decision block420 is YES< and the user is allowed to view the content.

The beginning of the process for a multi-user system is slightlydifferent. In this case, as depicted by a block 424, the user willgenerally be authenticated at the start of the system during a loginoperation, which comprises an operation that is normally performedduring initiation of a user session on a multi-user system. The userwill then select content to view during the session in a block 410A. Inresponse to this selection, the logic proceeds to block 418 and the restof the operations are substantially similar to that described above forthe single-user system. In this instance, the user's authenticationinformation provided during the login operation will be used to identifythe user.

In some cases, even though a movie is locked by a password oruser-access level, a user may not want other users to even be aware ofits existence in the movie directory on the PVR or DVR. If the titleappears, a child of a certain age, for example, may be able to infer thesubject of the movie from the title and from the description that may,in some cases, accompany the listing. Likewise, a user may wish toconceal a movie in the directory listing from, for example, theirpartner. Accordingly, what is furthermore clearly needed is a method bywhich a user not only can lock access to a movie in a directory listingwith a password or the like, but also to change both the title anddescription of such as movie, for whatever reason the user may have,such as, for example, obscuring the nature and subject of the movie.

FIG. 15 shows a window 140, wherein the movie Hot Nights in Bangkok isselected by selector 110, as described above. In response to selectionof the movie, a content description box 142 is displayed, describing,e.g., the nature and subject of the movie. Suppose the user would liketo change the title and/or the content. In one embodiment, the user isenabled to change this information through use of an edit dialog box144, which may be invoked in a manner similar to that described abovefor adding a password. For example, edit dialog box 144 may be invokedusing a hard or soft button on remote 112, or via a “CHANGE” button 146displayed on window 140. Upon invoking edit dialog box 144, the user isenabled to enter a new title and description. In one embodiment, valuesfor the title and description will initially be cleared. In anotherembodiment, the title and description values will initially be filledwith the existing values.

In response to saving the title and description values, correspondingdata will be updated or written to the system's database. For example,suppose the title for Hot Nights in Bangkok is changed to Thailand. Inone embodiment, a title-description table 340 is used to stored contenttitle and description information, as shown in FIG. 17. This table mayfurther include a PASSWORD column or an ACCESS_LEVEL column in whichpassword or access level data are stored in a manner similar to tablesdiscussed above that use these columns. In another embodiment,information pertaining to both the original title and description andnew title and description are stored, as depicted by a title-descriptionupdate table 350 shown in FIG. 18. As before, this table may alsoinclude PASSWORD and ACCESS_LEVEL columns. This table configuration isdesigned to support multi-user systems, wherein each user is identifiedduring an initial authentication operation. Accordingly, the system willbe able to identify a current user. When a password scheme is used, theowner of the password will be presented with the original title andoriginal description when viewing the recordings directory. In contrast,when another user is viewing the recording directory, the new title anddescription will be shown. The access level scheme works in a similarmanner, except in this instance the title and description displayed tothe user will depend on whether the user is allowed to access contentcorresponding to the access level specified for the various titles inthe recordings directory.

In yet another embodiment, the title and descriptions of recordedcontent may be “hidden” from unauthorized users in a similar manner torenaming the same. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the user mayactivate a “HIDE” button 150 to invoke a hide edit box 152 shown in FIG.20. Optionally, a hard or soft button on remote control 112 may be usedto invoke the hide edit box. The user could then select to hide thetitle and/or description for the selected content. Correspondinginformation would then be stored in a title-description hide table 360shown in FIG. 21. Under this scheme, authorized users (based on passwordor access level) would be able to see the title and/or description inthe recordings directory, while such information would not be displayedto unauthorized users.

In general, once a password has been assigned to a movie listed in thedirectory, a user may not modify the title or description without firstentering the password. Similar conditions may be enforced for accesslevel protection schemes (i.e., a user may not modify a title ordescription if the user's allowed access levels do not include theaccess level assigned to the content). In a further embodiment, aseparate and additional password may be assigned to the functionality ofthe buttons that invokes edit dialog box 144 or hide edit box 152,thereby allowing an authorized user (for example, a parent) to preventother users (for example, a child) from modifying titles anddescriptions, while retaining the ability to modify them.

Exemplary Machine for Implement Embodiments of the Invention

A schematic block diagram illustrating various components and operationsof an exemplary machine 500 for implementing the embodiments of theinvention discussed above is shown in FIG. 22. Generally, machine 500 isrepresentative of PVRs, DVRs, and similar “set-top” boxes that are usedto record audio and digital content. Generally, machine 500 will includeone or more processors 502 coupled to a bus 504. The machine will alsogenerally include memory 506, storage 508, a display controller 510, aninput/output controller 512 and an audio controller 514, each of whichis also coupled to bus 504.

In one embodiment, machine 500 interfaces to external systems through acommunications interface 516. Communications interface 516 may include aradio transceiver compatible with AM, FM, TV, digital TV, DVB, wirelesstelephone signals or the like. Communications interface 516 may alsoinclude an analog modem, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)modem, cable modem, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modem, a T-1 lineinterface, a T-3 line interface, an optical carrier interface (e.g.OC-3), token ring interface, satellite transmission interface, awireless interface or other interfaces for coupling a device to otherdevices.

In one embodiment, a carrier wave signal 517 is received bycommunications interface 516 to communicate with a network 160. In oneembodiment, carrier wave signal 517 is considered to be machine readablemedia, which may be transmitted through wires, cables, optical fibers orthrough the atmosphere, or the like.

In one embodiment, processor 502 may be a conventional microprocessor,such as for example but not limited to an Intel x86 or Pentium familymicroprocessor, a Motorola family microprocessor, or the like.Optionally, the processor may comprise a microcontroller, or the like.Memory 506 may be a machine-readable medium such as dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM) and may include static random access memory (SRAM).Display controller 510 controls in a conventional manner a display 518,which in one embodiment may be a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquidcrystal display (LCD), an active matrix display, a television monitor orthe like. In one embodiment, a remote interface 520 is provided tosupport interaction with remote input devices, such as remote control112 and a remote keyboard 162. Other remote input devices may also beused. Wired input devices may also be supported as well. A panel controlinterface 521 may also be provided to enable user input from a userinput panel or the like provided by the machine.

In one embodiment, audio controller 514 controls in a conventionalmanner audio output 522, which may include, audio speakers, headphones,an audio receiver, amplifier or the like. In one embodiment, the audiocontroller also controls in a conventional manner audio input 524, whichmay include a microphone or input(s) from an audio or musical device, orthe like.

Storage 508 in one embodiment may include machine-readable media suchas, for example, but not limited to a magnetic hard disk, an opticaldisk, a read-only memory (ROM) component, a smart card or another formof storage for data. In one embodiment, storage 508 may includeremovable media, read-only media, readable/writeable media or the like.Some of the data may be written by a direct memory access process intomemory 506 during execution of software in machine 500. It isappreciated that software may reside in storage 508, memory 506 or maybe transmitted or received via modem or communications interface 516.Optionally, all or a portion of the software may be stored in a firmwarestorage device 526. For the purposes of this specification, the term“machine-readable media” shall be taken to include any media that iscapable of storing data, information or encoding a sequence ofinstructions for execution by processor 502 to cause machine 500 toperform the operations of the embodiments of the invention discussedabove. The term “machine-readable media” shall be taken to include, butis not limited to solid-state memories, optical and magnetic disks,carrier wave signals, and the like.

In general, machine 500 will be used to store content corresponding tomovies, television shows, and the like. Typically, the content will beinitially received as an audio/video (A/V) input signal 530. The A/Vinput signal may originate from one or more sources, including a cablebroadcast 532, a satellite broadcast 534, or a local televisionbroadcast 536. The A/V input signal may also be provided by a playbackdevice, such as a DVD player 538 or VCR 540. It will be appreciated thatother content input devices may be used as well, such as computers andthe like.

Typically, upon receiving AN signal 530, the signal will either be usedfor storing content, and/or passed through for display purposes. Incases in which the content is to be stored, the A/V signal will usuallybe encoded by an encoder 542 and stored as encoded content 544 instorage 508. A decoder 545 is used to decode the encoded content duringplayback operations. The encoding and decoding operations may beprovided by embedded components (e.g., MPEG encoders and decoders), byprocessor 502, or a combination of the two. In addition to storingencoded content, storage 508 may be used to store corresponding contentinformation 546, such as recording directories and the like. Contentinformation 546 is used to also represent the various controlaccess-related tables described herein (i.e., the system database).

In general, the operations of the embodiments described above will beimplemented by executing software code stored in one or more softwaremodules. Collectively, this software code is represented as logic 550.As shown, logic 550 may be stored in firmware device 526 and/or storage508. Logic 550 also represents common PRV/DVR applications, such asrecording applications and electronic program guides and the like. Insome instances, logic 550 may be updated via a download. Accordingly, inone embodiment firmware device 526 comprises a rewriteable component,such as flash memory.

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the invention,including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention aredescribed herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalentmodifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as thoseskilled in the relevant art will recognize.

These modifications can be made to the invention in light of the abovedetailed description. The terms used in the following claims should notbe construed to limit the invention to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification and the claims. Rather, the scope of theinvention is to be determined entirely by the following claims, whichare to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claiminterpretation.

1. A method for obscuring descriptive information pertaining to recordedcontent stored on a set-top box, comprising: generating a first userinterface configured to receive a user selection of an original title auser wishes to obscure, the original title corresponding to a piece ofthe recorded content stored on the set-top box; generating a second userinterface configured to receive user input including a new title forreplacing the original title of the piece of the recorded content storedon the set-top box, the new title being determined by the user, whereinthe second user interface is configured to only permit users havingadministrator rights to change the original title of the piece of therecorded content, and wherein the method further comprises: determiningwhether the user has administrator rights; and in response todetermining that the user has administrator rights, allowing the user toaccess the second user interface, otherwise preventing the user fromaccessing the second user interface; storing data linking the new titleto the piece of the recorded content stored on the set-top box; anddisplaying the new title in place of the original title when displayingcontent information corresponding to the piece of the recorded contentstored on the set-top box; wherein the content information correspondingto the piece of recorded content stored on the set-top box furtherincludes an original description for the piece of the recorded content,and wherein the second user interface is further configured to receiveuser input including a new description for replacing the originaldescription corresponding to the piece of the recorded content stored onthe set-top box, the new description being determined by the user, andwherein the new description is configured for display in place of theoriginal description when the content information is subsequentlyviewed.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the operations of the methodare implemented via one of a personal video recorder (PVR) or digitalvideo recorder (DVR), and the first user interface is displayed on adisplay connected to the PVR or DVR.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe step of generating a second user interface configured to receiveuser input including a new title for replacing the original title of thepiece of the recorded content includes: storing a password that must beentered prior to allowing the user to replace the original title of thepiece of the recorded content with the new title; in response to a userrequest to replace the original title, generating a password entry boxconfigured to receive a user-entered password; determining if theuser-entered password matches the stored password; and in response todetermining that the user-entered password matches the stored password,enabling the user to replace the original title with the new title,otherwise denying the user from replacing the original title.
 4. Themethod Of claim 1, further comprising: assigning allowed access rightsto the user; assigning required access rights to the piece of therecorded content; and in response to a request to view the contentinformation corresponding to the piece of the recorded content,determining whether the allowed access rights of the user meet therequired access rights of the piece of the recorded content; and inresponse to determining that the allowed access rights of the user meetthe required access rights of the piece of the recorded content,displaying the original title of the piece of the recorded content,otherwise displaying the new title.
 5. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising enabling the new title to comprise a hidden title such thatthe new title is hidden when the piece of the recorded content isassociated with required access rights that are not among the allowedaccess rights of the user.
 6. The method of claim 4, further comprising:generating a third user interface via which an administrative user mayassign zero or more allowed access levels to the user; generating afourth user interface configured to receive a selection of the piece ofthe recorded content for application of access control; generating afifth user interface configured to receive an assignment of an accesslevel to the piece of the recorded content; and implementing a controlaccess scheme that enables the user to view the content informationcorresponding to the piece of the recorded content if an allowed accesslevel assigned to the user matches the access level assigned to thepiece of recorded content.
 7. The method of claim 6, whereinimplementing the control access scheme includes: storing data specifyingthe allowed access level assigned to the user; storing data specifyingthe access level assigned to the piece of the recorded content; inresponse to a request to view the content information corresponding tothe piece of the recorded content, identifying the user; and filteringthe content information such that, for the piece of the recordedcontent, one of the original title and the new title is displayed basedon the allowed access level assigned to the user and the access levelassigned to the piece of the recorded content.
 8. The method of claim 6,wherein the fifth user interface further includes informationidentifying at least one of users who are allowed to access originalcontent information of the piece of the recorded content and users whoare denied access to the original content information based on theaccess level assigned to the piece of the recorded content.
 9. One ormore non-transitory machine readable media storing computer readableinstructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a set-top box toperform a method for obscuring descriptive information pertaining torecorded content stored thereon comprising: generating a first userinterface configured to receive a user selection of an original title auser wishes to obscure, the original title corresponding to a piece ofthe recorded content stored on the set-top box; generating a second userinterface configured to receive user input including a new title forreplacing the original title of the piece of the recorded content storedon the set-top box, the new title being determined by the user, whereinthe second user interface is configured to only permit users havingadministrator rights to change the original title of the piece of therecorded content, and wherein the method further comprises: determiningwhether the user has administrator rights; and in response todetermining that the user has administrator rights, allowing the user toaccess the second user interface, otherwise preventing the user fromaccessing the second user interface; storing data linking the new titleto the piece of the recorded content stored on the set-top box; anddisplaying the new title in place of the original title when displayingcontent information pertaining to the piece of the recorded contentstored on the set-top box; wherein the content information correspondingto the piece of recorded content stored on the set-top box furtherincludes an original description for the piece of the recorded content,and wherein the second user interface is further configured to receiveuser input including a new description for replacing the originaldescription corresponding to the piece of the recorded content stored onthe set-top box, the new description being determined by the user, andwherein the new description is configured for display in place of theoriginal description when the content information is subsequentlyviewed.
 10. The one or more non-transitory machine readable media ofclaim 9, wherein the first and second user interfaces are generated bythe set-top box.
 11. The one or more non-transitory machine readablemedia of claim 9, wherein the step of generating a second user interfaceconfigured to receive user input including a new title for replacing anoriginal title of the piece of the recorded content includes: storing apassword that must be entered prior to allowing the user to replace theoriginal title of the piece of the recorded content with the new title;in response to a user request to replace the original title, generatinga password entry box configured to receive a user-entered password;determining if the user-entered password matches the stored password;and in response to determining that the user-entered password matchesthe stored password, enabling the user to replace the original titlewith the new title, otherwise denying the user from replacing theoriginal title.
 12. The one or more non-transitory machine readablemedia of claim 9, further comprising instructions for: assigning allowedaccess rights to the user; assigning required access rights to the pieceof the recorded content; and in response to a request to view thecontent information corresponding to the piece of the recorded content,determining whether the allowed access rights of the user meet therequired access rights of the piece of the recorded content; and inresponse to determining that the allowed access rights of the user meetthe required access rights of the piece of the recorded content,displaying the original title of the piece of the recorded content,otherwise displaying the new title.
 13. The one or more non-transitorymachine readable media of claim 12, further comprising instructions forenabling the new title to comprise a hidden title such that the newtitle is hidden when the piece of the recorded content is associatedwith required access rights that are not among the allowed access rightsof the user.
 14. The one or more non-transitory machine readable mediaof claim 12, further comprising instructions for: generating a thirduser interface via which an administrative user may assign zero or moreallowed access levels to the user; generating a fourth user interfaceconfigured to receive a selection of the piece of the recorded contentfor application of access control; generating a fifth user interfaceconfigured to receive an assignment of an access level to the piece ofthe recorded content; and implementing a control access scheme thatenables the user to view the content information corresponding to thepiece of the recorded content if an allowed access level assigned to theuser matches the access level assigned to the piece of the recordedcontent.
 15. The one or more non-transitory machine readable media ofclaim 14, wherein implementing the control access scheme includes:storing data specifying the allowed access level assigned to the user;storing data specifying the access level assigned to the piece of therecorded content; in response to a request to view the contentinformation corresponding to the piece of the recorded content,identifying the user; and filtering the content information such that,for the piece of the recorded content, one of the original title and thenew title is displayed based on the allowed access level assigned to theuser and the access level assigned to the piece of the recorded content.16. A method comprising: storing, by a set-top box, a password that mustbe entered prior to allowing a user to replace at least one of anoriginal title and an original description of a piece of recordedcontent stored on set-top box; receiving, by the set-top box, a userrequest to obscure the at least one of the original title and theoriginal description of a piece of recorded content; in response to theuser request to obscure the at least one of the original title and theoriginal description, generating a password entry box configured toreceive a user-entered password; determining if the user-enteredpassword matches the stored password; in response to determining thatthe user-entered password matches the stored password, enabling the userto replace the at least one of the original title and the originaldescription with at least one of a new title and a new description,otherwise denying the user from replacing the at least one of theoriginal title and the original description; in response to determiningthat the user-entered password matches the stored password, prompting auser for the at least one of the new title and the new description forthe piece of recorded content stored on the set-top box; receiving, bythe set-top box, user input including the at least one of the new titleand the new description, the new title and new description correspondingto the recorded content being determined by the user; and displaying theat least one of the new title and the new description in place of the atleast one of the original title and the original description whendisplaying content information pertaining to the piece of recordedcontent stored on the set-top box.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: in response to the user request, determining a first accesslevel assigned to the user; determining whether the first access levelassigned to the user meets a second access level assigned to the pieceof recorded content; and allowing the user to replace the at least oneof the original title and the original description in response todetermining that the first access level meets the second access level,otherwise denying access to replacing the at least one of the originaltitle and the original description.